Mower Blade Removal, Metal Bending Brakes And DIY Mistakes

Do you need to bend sheet metal? A "Brake" is the right tool foor the job. Click image to see full size.

In this show we address a couple of listener questions about mower blades and metal brakes and then talk about another expensive DIY mistake.

First up is a question from David:

Do you guys have or know of any plans for a DIY metal brake? I need to cover the sills of my home windows, and would like to have a brake to bend the aluminum nicely myself.

Thanks, David

David, we are not familiar with any decent DIY brake plans. A brake is a specialized tool for bending metal. There is certainly no better tool for covering your sills with metal flashing. We recommend that you try and borrow one or rent this tool. A brake requires some practice but once you get the hang of it you can make some nice capping for your window sills and trim.

We also got this question from Vishal:

What tools do you need to loosen/tighten a lawn mower’s blade?

Short answer – a wrench. Is that really the question though? The Handyguys discuss how to keep the blade from spinning when you remove the bolt and how to apply a little more leverage if the bolt is stuck. Also why do we remove a mower blade anyway? Blades require sharpening, balancing and outright replacement from time to time.

Expensive DIY Mistakes

The Handyguys discuss another expensive DIY mistake

Whats the mistake? Paying twice. Why would you pay twice? If you underestimate your abilities, do a job poorly, and need to pay a pro to come in and do it correctly. Perhaps the mistake is really not knowing your abilities. The handyguys discuss how to avoid this costly mistake.

I’ve been watching live video of the “Ultimate Handy Guys”- the Space Shuttle astronauts repairing the Hubble Space Telescope.
For my Father’s Day tool wish list, I’d like one of the drill/drivers that they are using!! Festtool, eat your hearts out!

Steve sent us this follow-up regarding the drill/driver used by the repair crew for the shuttle….
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Astronaut’s Drill – Additional info
Found this on Air/Space Magazine site:
Pistol-Grip Tool
“The main tool used by spacewalkers is this 21st century hand-drill, built by Swales Aerospace Inc. Designed for use in the thick-gloved hands of spacewalkers, it features a pistol-style handle and large information screen. Astronauts can program the speed and torque, and the settings show up on the screen. The torque can range from less than 1 to 38 foot-pounds of force, and the drill can run at anywhere between 5 and 60 rotations per minute. According to NASA, this is the first hand-held electronic power tool to include all the features of a cabinet-mounted tool, courtesy of the configurable design.”

“A rechargeable battery slots into the handle like the clip of a handgun. Its metal hydride batteries can hold more charge at extreme temperaturesâ€”perfect for the cycles of shadow and sunlight the station experiences in orbit. The body is made of a durable, glass-infused plastic called Lexan. But you wonâ€™t see it; the whole thing is covered with aluminum tape for durability. NASA began developing the requirements for the three-pound tool in 1993 to make repairing the Hubble Space Telescope easier. It was first used in space in 1997. Engineers are not eager to design another oneâ€”the pistol-grip tool is modular so improvements can be added later.”

A lot of DIY junkies are guilty of “paying twice” for their poorly done project. They thought that they could lessen the bills, but perhaps they’re on the wrong move. My advice is, if you don’t have enough skills or tools don’t push yourself from doing the project.